Intellectual Freedom/Censorship
Banned Because...
100
Banned Book Week is promoted nationally to emphasize people’s right to: A: Go to the library -- B. Freedom to chose what they read -- C. Know which books have been challenged or banned so they will know not to read them.-- D. None of the above
B. Freedom to Choose What to Read Banned Books Week was created by the American Library Association in 1982 to emphasize the importance of literary freedom and to oppose literary censorship.
100
This book has been banned for a number of reasons, but mostly because of its focus on magic. It was a best seller upon its release in 1997 and was one of the most challenged books of 1999. It in the main character fights evil, plays an unusual sport, and wears round glasses…
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling It has been challenged because of its supposed promotion of witchcraft and wizardry and the depiction of violence and brutality.
200
In the U.S. what does the First Amendment protect?
Freedom of Speech/Freedom of the Press The First Amendment states that “congress shall make no law respecting an establishing of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press…” This means that the government can’t tell people what religion to follow, or what to think, or what to read.
200
This children’s book was challenged because it contains a few swear words. In it the parents of the main character are killed and he is sent to live with his two evil aunts. A gigantic fruit grows in their yard and crushes his aunts. He meets life size insects and they go on adventures together. What’s the title?
James and The Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
300
Each year, challenges are made to certain books when a person or group objects to their content. Most challenges, however, do not lead to banning. True or False
True. In 2000, 646 books were challenged, but most of the challenges did not lead to banning because school officials, teachers and librarians refused to remove the books. The real number is probably much higher. 646 were actually reported.
300
Who is the hero of the series by Dav Pilkey, which has been challenged for its “anti-family content?" Wicked Wedgie Woman -- Deputy Doo-Doo -- Bionic Booger Boy -- Captain Underpants
Captain Underpants -- Pilkey, who was diagnosed with learning disabilities as a child, designed the books to draw the attention of kids who may not like to read.
400
What reason is given most often for challenging books used in public schools? a) Book is unsuited to the age group -- b) Sexually explicit -- c) Contains violence -- d) Contains homosexuality -- e) Satanic themes
Reasons Books Challenged 1990-2000: Sexuality explicit: 1,446, Offensive language: 1,262, Unsuited to Age Group: 1,167, Occult/satanism: 773, Violence: 630, Homosexuality: 497 Source: American Library Association
400
Even books by Dr. Seuss have been challenged. This Dr. Seuss book was challenged because it offended forestry workers. The Cat in the Hat -- The Lorax -- Green Eggs and Ham -- All the Places You’ll Go
The Lorax. It is a story that teaches children about the impact humans can have on the environment. In the story Onceler cuts down too many trees and pollutes the environment. People in the logging industry felt threatened by the book.
500
Where do most book challenges occur? -- School libraries -- Public libraries -- Academic libraries -- School classes
Most challenges occur in school classes, followed closely by school libraries and then by public libraries. 1990-2010: School classes – 4,048, School libraries – 3,659, Public libraries – 2,679. Source: American Library Association
500
Which Shakespeare play was banned by some schools because it contains a girl dressing as a boy (Viola) and a (reputedly) gay character? A) Twelfth Night -- B) Hamlet -- C) Macbeth -- D) King Lear
Twelfth Night. All plays have been challenged though. Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear have been challenged because of the use of sexual innuendo and use of death and violence.
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